The Way I See It, Revised and Expanded 2nd Edition: A Personal Look at… (original 2008; edition 2011)

Because I have 3 grandchildren with autism, I read all that I can on the subject. This book was invaluable in showing that, as they become adults, they can fit into society if treated early enough. the author, Temple Grandin, has lived with this illness since birth. This edition is revised and expanded and because of that 14 additional articles have been included. "The Role of Genetics and Environmental Factors in Causing Autism, Understanding the Mind of a Nonverbal Person with Autism, Finding Mentors and Appropriate Colleges" are just some of the articles that will enlighten those who need such information.

Ms. Grandin is an inspiration to families and readers, for she gives hope to those who felt that autism was the end of a healthy life....the author shows that it is only the beginning of living with something that isn't cured, but understood. She offers helpful strategies and try-it-now tips offered from her perspective as she lived and researched autism. Explaining how and why people with autism think differently was an eye opener for me and I wished as I read more and more chapters, that I had known about this book as my first grandson was diagnosed. His great grandmother,knowing nothing about autism, would say "He just needs spanked" because she thought he was misbehaving. Little did we know that he suffered with his own internal lack of expressing himself, and would become unpredictable in his behaviors.. With no way to speak and explain, these youngsters suffer from society until more research is done and all of us understand more and more of what they are saying in their way of not speaking.

I heartily recommend this book to anyone with autism in the family, or wanting to understand autism better to be able to help those who need us to listen to them. Ms. Grandin , who had an HBO movie based on her life, received 7 Emmys, a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Well-deserved and worthy of the awards, the author lived a life that most of us can only read about. This remarkable book is the place to start. ( )

At first I thought I'd made a mistake. I was looking for and expecting a more personal account of life on the autistic spectrum. However, this "how to" manual covers so much ground so effectively and accessibly that I answered all my questions and discovered questions I hadn't thought to ask. Temple is particularly effective in discussing the neurological aspects of autism; I had never thought to be interested in neurology but I am now. I had a sneaky feeling before I started the book that autism / Asberger's has a connection with "high sensitivity". I'm now convinced of it. I like the straightforward approach that clearly differentiates fact from opinion and which provides an interesting question about the nature of intelligence. To what extent do our brains have to make a trade-off between technical and emotional connectedness? I may not have understood correctly, but it seems that there are a series of continuums or aspects of brain functioning that come into play in the way white matter makes connections between the grey matter centres of the brain. If we tick enough boxes or if we tick a few at the more "severe" end, we get a label. Otherwise, we don't. Temple doesn't see a clear distinction: autistic / non-autistic, and, from my understanding of this book, I no longer do either. This is a fascinating insight into what makes us who we are. ( )

I am VERY impressed with Temple Grandin! Although she has autism, she is a brilliant thinker and communicator. She can simplify many very complex principles and make them easy for any lay person to understand, even though she has a PHD. Loved the book. ( )

What a good book! This is a collection of essays, well organized into relevant chapters that present Temple Grandin’s way of viewing individuals along the autism spectrum. She herself is autistic so, in this volume, she explores autism and Asperger’s syndrome from the inside out.

Her book can be used in many ways. It can be read cover to cover, as I did, to get as much information out of it as I could. It certainly is useful as a parental resource to be referred to chapter by chapter, depending on the information needed at the time. In addition, it would be effective comfort to anyone on the autistic spectrum as an aid to begin to view oneself by his ability rather than the disability that others assume him to have.

This book may seem a tiny bit repetitive, but that’s only because this is not a straight non-fiction book but rather many Temple Grandin articles which had previously be published elsewhere. What I liked most about this book was the advice that Grandin gave to parents, mentors, and teachers. Much of that advice could be useful advice for dealing with any child who is “different” from those to whom she refers as “neurotypical”. Down to earth and practical, this is a must read for anyone who wishes to learn more about autism spectrum disorders in general or simply learn how an autistic individual sees the world. ( )

The Way I See It is Temple Grandin’s newest autism book. As an autistic patient who has adjusted to the world of the neurotypicals (i.e., the “normal” world) and made a successful career, Grandin has a unique point of view to offer. The book begins with diagnosis and early intervention, and ends with adult issues and employment-related topics. She gives clear, concise, pragmatic advice for parents with children on the autism spectrum. Grandin also explains why and where certain autistic behaviors are likely to occur, and what can be done to adjust either the child’s environment or their daily routines to help them cope.
The majority of the articles are very short, only a few pages. The book is consequently very easy to read in small doses. There is also enough repetition of ideas and tips throughout the book to allow for skipping from an article to another without losing anything vital. Recommended both for caregivers and people who have frequent contact with autism spectrum individuals.
EJ 04/2011